February Festivals
Carnival: the week before the Christian observance of Shrove Tuesday, the Netherlands celebrates three days and nights of carnival festivities with many towns and cities enjoying street-based activities which include dancing, singing and live music performances. Maastricht sees the most vibrant celebrations in the country. March Festivals
Maastricht Art Show: a ten-day period in the first two weeks of the month sees the Maastricht Art Show, the largest show of its kind in Europe. Artwork from famous artists such as Van Gogh and Vermeer are displayed alongside the works of contemporary European artists. May Festivals
National Windmill Day (Nationale Molendag): the second Saturday of May sees windmills across the country open their doors to visitors to appreciate the history and cultural significance of this unique and still popular form of grain processing. Remembrance Day and Liberation Day (Herdenkingsdag and Bevrijdinsdag): the fourth and fifth of the month are days dedicated to paying tribute to Dutch soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. Amsterdam hosts a major ceremony which is followed by a variety of tributary activities. Holland Festival: the country’s most significant annual event runs for the best part of the month and sees a cultural extravaganza of dance, music, film, theatre and opera at some of Holland’s key theatre and concert venues. July Festivals
De Parade: this travelling festival, which settled in Amsterdam, lasts 17 days and is based around traditional circus activities offering a distinct feeling of classic old fashioned entertainment. Once the parade has set up its large collection of brightly coloured tents, visitors are treated to performances of magic, dance, theatre, art and animation among other spectacles. Uitmarkt: for three days at the end of the month, Amsterdam celebrates culture and history with free concerts around its various museums.
Lowlands Festival: the last weekend of the month sees concerts by alternative music artists and other outdoor activities at the Six Flags amusement park in Biddinghuizen. September Festivals
Jordaan Festival: the inner city area of Jordaan plays host to a street-based festival which aims to pay tribute to its working class roots. A varied programme of events includes live music, opera and cabaret performances. November Festivals
International Documentary Film festival of Amsterdam: this annual event sees documentary film makers from around the world assemble to showcase their talents with over 200 films being screened for the benefit of enthusiastic viewers. December Festivals
Sinterklaas: prior to the main Christmas celebrations on the 25th of the month, the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas on 5 December with family gift exchanges. | 
